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Holiday Instrument Ideas
Many of us are getting into the holiday season spirit—a time that can be especially busy for music educators, both professionally and personally. To help save you time and energy, this week we’re highlighting holiday instrument resources available on MusicplayOnline.
Holiday Songs for Recorder
The recorder section features a mix of sacred and secular holiday songs. Each piece offers an optional duet part and multiple display options, including standard notation and "KidsNotes," where note names appear directly on the score. Printable sheets and all audio tracks are included!
Check out MORE holiday recorder options on MusicplayOnline or the MusicplayStore!
Holiday Orff Arrangements
Looking for Holiday Orff arrangements? We’ve got you covered! In the Instruments section, you’ll find a variety of arrangements, from simple to more advanced. This week, we’re featuring one of our more challenging pieces: Carol of the Bells, arranged by Craig Cassils.
Click on the image below to listen to a performance of "Carol of the Bells"
Holiday Bucket Drumming
In this section, you’ll find contemporary, secular, sacred, and Nutcracker play-alongs for bucket drums. Students can follow along with videos, and additional resources include rhythmic notation videos, printable scores, accompaniment tracks, black light performance ideas and more!
Click on the image below for the full video of "Up On the Housetop"
MORE! Holiday Instrument Resources:
- Boomwhacker Holiday Resources
- Unpitched Rhythm Instrument Holiday Ideas
- Seasons and Special Days for Orff and Drum by Jane Lamb
Exploring Music Genres Through Project-Based Learning Webinar
with Stacy Werner
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 @ 4:30-5:30 MST (60 Minutes)
A recorded version will be available if you are unable to watch live.
About the Webinar:
In this webinar, Stacy will introduce new project-based learning resources from the Genres of Music unit on MusicplayOnline. She will guide you through the unit with a sequenced approach to introducing musical genres and connecting them to the elements of music. Stacy will then present three project options designed to help students deepen their understanding of musical genres and make meaningful connections to music in their own lives. She will also showcase student examples and share practical classroom strategies to help you implement this unit with confidence and ease.
Musicplay Team Updates:
We wanted to take the opportunity to share some updates from the team:
Content Updates:
- No updates this week.
Development Updates:
- No updates this week.